Chris Lombardi, Lionsden Middletown, CT. www.thelionsdenct.com

Ian “The Don” Cannon (1-0) celebrates his upset win over NABF featherweight champion Matt “sharp shooter” Remillard in the sports first wheelchair boxing bout. Though still undefeated and champ “off” the chair, Remillard drops to 0-1 in his wheelchair boxing debut.  

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES, wheelchair boxing, is the creation and dream of seventeen-year-old, Glastonbury Connecticut native, Ian Cannon. The program was developed as a way to help people who are wheelchair bound to strengthen their muscles and gain flexibility and confidence. Ian, who has cerebral palsy, uses his training techniques to gain strength, but does not dismiss the benefits of how his training has helpled him mentally.

“It’s been an amazing journey so far,” said Cannon, in between focus mitt work with strength trainer and Lion’s Den instructor, Jason Gruzcka. “I got into this strictly as a way to gain strength and flexibility, but then it turned into something more.”

That something more Ian was referring to was a dream to actually become a boxer. “To most people, it sounded crazy. But then again, anytime someone achieves something amazing, there’s always people saying it couldn’t or shouldn’t be tried. With help along the way from top local pro’s John Scully, Pito Cardona and top coach Johnny Callas, I’ve learned a lot. As important as the physical benefits it has had on me, it has helped me mentally, boosting my confidence in ways I can’t describe.”

And after three years of training, Ian’s progress, determination and over-all desire to see his program flourish has been recognized by many of boxing’s “top” names, including: Top trainer and former lightweight contender Freddie Roach, MMA lightweight contender Kenny Florian, local promoter Jimmy Burchfield and former heavyweight contender Marvis Frazier, to name some.

as seen on http://thelionsdenct.com/index.php/roll-with-the-punches/